ACE3000 Patent

[ChrisR707]

I've posted a graphic and a link to the ACE 3000 patent at:

http://rrheritage.blogspot.com

As I write this, the spot price of crude was nearing $95 if I read this news blurb correctly - wonder if this concept will ever get dusted off?

thanks

Chris

[CRQ5508]

I remember reading about this thing. It sounded kinda like UPs turbine locos. Also remember seeing concept are of it in a paint scheme to W&LE's early "Kodachrome" scheme found on a handful of GP35s.. Looks like a cross of a steamer, an F40PH, and something weird.... It'd be interesting to see, but in this day and age of fuel economy, I think the EPA would shove it away before fully looking at it...

[Richard]

Good old Ross Rowland and his ACE 3000 project. The Chessie System even promised to take delivery of one. They also allowed Ross to run the 614 on the new river line so he could gather info for the ACE 3000 project. In theory the whole engine was suppose to be micro-processor controlled, to enable it to burn the coal more efficiently and reduce pollution. Ross also claimed he was able to increase the adhesion of the engine to match modern diesels of the time period. Steam engines typically only had a adhesion value of 12 to 15 percent while diesel-electrics of the early to mid 80's were in the 22 to 25 percent adhesion range. If you've ever seen the video "Running that new river train" it goes over some of the details of the ACE 3000 project. I would have to say that this project has long been dead and I'd doubt if the railroads would even give it a second look, since it didn't make it off the drawing boards the first time around.

[Richard]

Typo correction:
The 614 tests for the ACE 3000 project video was called
"Ace of Black Diamonds" by Hopewell Productions. Ross also ran the NKP 765 in the Hopewell Video "Running that New River Train". Got the two mixed up :+

[NW 2156]

Hmmm I don recall Ross at the throttle of the 765 in that video Running that New River Train?

[Richard]

Hello Robert,
Come to think of it, I think you are correct. I'm thinking now it was Rich Melvin who was the engineer on the 765. Too many long days and short nights :)

Rich S.

[NW 2156]

Too many long days and short nights. I can agree with you on that one alright.